Apps online predators can use to get to kids

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FILE - This Feb. 2, 2013, file photo shows a Twitter icon on the display of a smartphone in Berlin. The company tweeted Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013, that it has “confidentially submitted an S-1 to the SEC for a planned IPO.” Twitter is taking advantage of federal legislation passed last year that allows companies with less than $1 billion in revenue in its last fiscal year to avoid submitting public IPO documents. (AP Photo/dpa, Soeren Stache, file)

BOISE, Idaho (KBOI) - Ever heard of "Skout" or "Chat Roulette?" They are apps your teens are likely using, and online predators can easily use them to take advantage of your kids.

Criminal experts say young people -- and even parents -- don't always fully understand how easily they can reveal their identity and location. But predators do and criminals have used random chat apps to geolocate their targets.

Internet Security Firm McAfee died a recent survey of kids, and more than half said their parents know only some of what they do online. About a quarter said their parents don't have time to check.

You can turn off location services on the phone or the apps in its Privacy settings.

Click on each app to see if its accessing the phone, info or pictures. The free app Lookout will warn you about security risk, tell you how to improve security settings and even tell you which apps are tracking and revealing your location.

Don't forget to talk to your kids. Experts say communication is better than any software